Questions regarding place and conditions of detention The investigator should attempt to obtain as much of the following information as possible through the testimony of the alleged victim: The conditions of detention play a key role in establishing torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The questions regarding conditions of detentions may include: access to, and descriptions of, food and drink toilet facilities lighting temperature, and; ventilation The interviewee must be asked if they were allowed any contact with family, lawyers or health professionals, conditions of overcrowding or solitary confinement, dimensions of the detention place, and whether there are other people who can corroborate the detention. Consider the following questions: Was there an identification process (personal information recorded, fingerprints, photographs)? Were you asked to sign anything? Describe the conditions of the cell or room (note size, number of detainees in one space, light, ventilation, temperature, presence of insects and rodents, bedding, access to food, water, and toilet). What did you hear, see, and smell? Did you have any contact with people outside or access to medical care? What was the physical layout of the place where you were detained? Questions regarding methods of torture and ill-treatment Questions should be designed to elicit a coherent narrative account. Consider the following questions: Where did the abuse take place, when, and for how long? Were you blindfolded? Before discussing forms of abuse, note who was present (give names, positions). Describe the room or place. Which objects did you observe? If possible, describe each instrument of torture in detail; for electrical torture, the current, device, number and shape of electrodes. Ask about clothing, disrobing, and change of clothing. 13